A small gland in the male reproductive system, the prostate can cause a lot of inconvenience on a daily basis. Discover the signs that can point to a prostate problem and some practical advice to limit them.
How do I know if I have a prostate problem?
The prostate is a gland located below the bladder. Its main function is to produce fluids which go into the composition of semen. It surrounds part of the urethra, the channel through which urine flows. No bigger than a walnut, it tends to gain volume with age , after 40 years. This physiological increase often leads to benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostatic adenoma. The affection affects 60% of men after 60 years and 90% of them after 85 years 1 .
Prostatic disorders can lead to urinary and sexual manifestations , such as:
- difficult urination , with weak flow despite a strong urge to urinate and the feeling of not emptying the bladder properly;
- a frequent need to urinate and difficulty in holding back, often with the need to get up several times a night;
- erectile dysfunction , mainly related to the psychological repercussions of urinary problems;
- ejaculation disorders .
- These suggestive signs of a prostate problem should lead you to consult a health professional to determine if you are in the presence of benign hypertrophy or another condition.
The voiding diary, a useful tool for prostate problems
The subject can be difficult to broach with health professionals. However, there should be no taboo, since the prostate is an organ like any other and almost all men are affected at some point in their lives by prostate problems. During a consultation for voiding disorders , you may be asked to complete a “voiding calendar” or “voiding catalogue”. Its purpose is to assess the functioning of your bladder, by noting the volume of urine eliminated as well as the volume of drinks absorbed during the day.
According to the French Association of Urology 2 , here is how this calendar must be completed: over 3 or 4 days, not necessarily consecutive, complete the table presented below by 24-hour period (night included).
When you establish your voiding calendar, it is essential not to change your habits: food, drink and way of going to the toilet. The collection of this information must reflect reality in order to establish the correct diagnosis as to the urinary disorders observed, and to determine if they are linked to a prostate problem in order to possibly offer you an appropriate solution.
It will allow you to objectively take stock of your daily discomfort and will facilitate your doctor's diagnosis.
How to prevent prostate problems?
Several lifestyle and dietary measures are effective in helping to reduce the repercussions of an increase in prostate volume -4 :
- Limit certain foods that aggravate urinary problems associated with benign hypertrophy. This is the case of spicy and salty dishes, alcohol, caffeine-rich drinks such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and unfortunately also chocolate!
- Limit the consumption of foods such as red meat, or fatty dairy products, favor those rich in omega-3 (small fish such as sardines and anchovies).
- Practice regular physical activity . This ensures good muscle tone, which is necessary for controlling urination.
- Drink throughout the day, then decrease fluid intake after 7 p.m.
- Don't hold back if you need to go to the bathroom, urinate whenever the need arises.
- Maintain sexual activity to regularly free the prostate of the fluids it produces.
Taking a targeted food supplement , in agreement with your healthcare professional, can help reduce the daily discomfort associated with a prostate disorder. The PROSTAGUARD micro-nutritional complex from Laboratoire LESCUYER has been specifically formulated to promote urinary and prostate comfort. It combines ingredients such as saw palmetto, African plum or nettle (which facilitates the renal elimination of water). The formulation includes lycopene, and several vitamins and minerals intended to regulate hormonal activity and protect cells from oxidative stress.
What is best treatment for enlarged prostate?
Medication is the most common treatment for mild to moderate symptoms of prostate enlargement. The options include: Alpha blockers. These medications relax bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate, making urination easier.
Where do you feel prostate pain?
Acute prostatitis
pain, which may be severe, in or around your penis, testicles, anus, lower abdomen or lower back – pooing can be painful. pain when peeing, needing to pee frequently (particularly at night), problems starting or "stop-start" peeing, an urgent need to pee and, sometimes, blood in your urine.
Can enlarged prostate go back to normal?
Can an Enlarged Prostate Be Cured?
For most patients, BPH (enlarged prostate) is curable. Some people see a significant reduction in symptoms with medication alone. If medicine does not work, or your prostate is too large, surgery will often remove enough of the prostate to provide you with relief.
What age is prostate cancer for?
Risk of prostate cancer
About 6 cases in 10 are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40. The average age of men when they are first diagnosed is about 66.
Where does most prostate cancer begin?
Where does prostate cancer start?
Most prostate cancers start in the outer gland cells of the prostate and are known as acinar adenocarcinomas. Many of these cancers grow extremely slowly and are not likely to spread.
What is the biggest symptom of prostate cancer?
Urinating often, especially at night. Trouble emptying the bladder completely. Pain or burning during urination. Blood in the urine or semen.
Can prostate problems go away?
Most cases can be cured with antibiotics. You also may need medication to help with pain or discomfort. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is an infection that comes back again and again.
What is the main cause of prostate problems?
It's not clear what causes prostate cancer. Doctors know that prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate develop changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. The changes tell the cells to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells do.
What are the first hints that your body is fighting prostate cancer?
Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night. Blood in the urine or semen. Trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED) Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas from cancer that has spread to bones.
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URINARY COMFORT